Condominium owners who require a handicapped accessible parking space will soon have enhanced protections through legislation sponsored by State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) that was signed into law on August 9.
Specifically, Senate Bill 2740 requires condominium building owners to formulate a policy to accommodate unit owners with a disability who need a parking space. In instances when a current condominium association does not own or control unit parking, condominium board members must make a reasonable attempt to secure an accessible parking spot for a unit owner with a disability.
For new condominium construction after January 1, 2025, all handicapped accessible parking spaces must remain part of the common elements of a condominium association, and board members must provide a unit owner with a disability an accessible parking spot ahead of a non-disabled unit owner.
“This legislation was filed after I learned about a Chicago resident with a disability who could not obtain handicapped accessible parking at his condominium. This individual had to move to a different condominium and then purchase an accessible parking space from someone for $60,000 because the condominium where he lived did not have reserved parking spots for disabled individuals,” said McConchie. “Those living with a disability deserve to live where they want, without barriers such as a lack of accessible parking. I was proud to carry this legislation and was pleased it received unanimous support in the Senate and House.”
Click here to view a video about the bill.